Ballymena 4th XV 34 Randalstown 2nd XV 3
Randalstown 2nds will want to move quickly on from Saturday afternoon as they came up against current league pacesetters Ballymena 4ths. Try as they might the ‘Town 15 couldn’t contain the pacey backline and hefty, experienced Ballymena pack on the day. Although they took an early lead from the boot of McCann the ‘Town men conceded 3 tries in the first half from Ballymena centre John Kelly, Ian Caldwell and Rodney Hall.
The second half performance from Randalstown was much better but despite long periods of possession and numerous penalties they couldn’t breach the black defensive wall. Against the run of play Ballymena scored again courtesy of winger Garret Bell. They then gained possession and after spreading the ‘Town defence thin Darrell O’Kane ran in.
The ‘Town backline were always trying to create something and ironically after another good period of possession a long pass from Thom was intercepted by Bell who ran in under the posts unopposed.
The town 2nd string will be disappointed by this heavy defeat but can certainly take heart from Scott Goodrich’s return from injury as he was among the most eyecatching players of the afternoon.
Randalstown 3rd XV 34 Harlequins 4th XV 10
Randalstown entertained Harlequins at Neillsbrook hoping to continue their winning ways.After twenty minutes of bruising rugby Harlequins relied on using their robust Aussie rugby league convert continually taking the ball through midfield only to be stopped by superb town defence with Adie Johnston and Shaun Mc Crory putting in fantastic hits. During this spell Ryan Mc Cauley had to retire due to injury but good to see his patented through the legs pass used to good effect by Ireland. On twenty minutes the recently introduced impressive Rab Fleck was on the wrong end of a high tackle and duly despatched the penalty to put the town 3 up.Practically from the kick off Harris gathered and released Adie Johnston who in return gave Ben Joyce a pinpoint pass and he duly jigged his way past three defenders to touch down.8-0 On 35 minutes Dave Harris was rewarded for his hard work and after superb interplay from Mc Crory and that man with the hair Fleck,Adie Johnston offloaded to Harris who sprinted in from 25 metres with Fleck adding the conversion 13-0.In the closing minutes lock Thomas Mc Closkey emerged from under a pile of bodies grinning like a’ Cheshire Cat’ after a superb forward drive over the line.Conversion by Rab Fleck to leave half time Randalstown 22 Harlequins 0
Belfast Harlequins no doubt embarrassed by the scoreline began the second half with great gusto and scored a try after six minutes and when Adie Johnston was given ten minutes in the bin for his teams misdemeanours though I must add he was definitely not guilty,Harlequins sensed a glimmer of hope scoring another try to make it 22-10.Michael’Donkey’ Reeves was introduced into the fray and almost immediately had a couple of storming runs even giving a brief display of his juggling talents.Adie Johnston was then reintroduced after ten minutes rest and being revitalised( a tactic we may use again) went on to score two tries, a superb interception and then a delayed pass from the again impressive scrum half David Frew supplied his second to make it 32-10,A bizarre end to the game as this was the signal for Curly Hamilton to give his best Mike Tyson impression which the referee who had a good game quickly brought tunder control.Rab Fleck and Adie Johnston showed indecision about the ensuing conversion before recently introduced Devlin took responsibility and converted to leave the score 34-10. Another entertaining game for the spectators being played in good spirits and the team showed great camaraderie, Thomas Mc Closkey and Dave Harris had colossal games, Rab Fleck likewise ,Shaun Mc Crory kicked and tackled incessantly, Ben Joyce tackling and running with great effect.Adie Johnston also had a great game altogether a great all round team performance. Next week CIYMS at home.
Team- M Mc Cullough,R Adair,G Paine,M Hamilton,T Mc Closkey,C Mowbray,H Bishop,D Harris,D Frew,A Johnston,R Mc Cauley,S Moon,P Morriss, B Joyce,S Mc Crory,R Fleck,M Reeves,T Devlin
Limavady U19s 18 Randalstown U19s 10
This was a bad day at the office for the young Randalstown team that never managed to get out of first gear. The team arrived at The John Hunter Memorial grounds full of confidence after recent victories over Ballymena and Malone, but were met by an unbeaten Limavady squad that possessed skill, speed, strength and a greater desire for victory.
Almost straight from the kick off Limavady scored a converted try after a Randalstown forward got isolated and lost possession. The red and whites regrouped behind the posts and spent the next 20 minutes inside the opposition half but poor decision making and excellent work by the Limavady back row kept their line intact.
A well struck penalty by David McWhirter finally got the score board moving, but the coaches were still aware that Randalstown weren’t controlling the game as they had done in previous matches. Time and again passes were dropped and ball was turned over due to the aggressive Limavady defence.
What followed next was the only real bright spot on an otherwise dull team performance – fullback McWhirter fielded a kick 20m inside his own half and managed to step and spin his way through several home defenders before shifting into top gear and outpacing the entire Limavady backline to score an excellent individual try. He picked himself up, caught his breath and coolly added the extra 2 points to leave Randalstown 10-7 up at half time.
The half time team talk by coaches Hermin and Moses didn’t have the desired effect as the remainder of the game again lacked structure and control. A home penalty brought the scores level and as the match entered the final quarter it was the impressive Limavady backrow which decided the outcome of the match. They stripped the ball away from contact on the halfway line and with a 4 man overlap ran into score in the corner. The conversion was missed by a long range penalty shortly after which took the margin to 8 points.
The final few minutes were dominated by the referee’s whistle as tempers flared and punches were exchanged between both sets of players, but the bumps and bruises were soon forgotten as both sides sat down to enjoy some post match hospitality in the clubhouse.
With a home league match this Saturday, Randalstown has an ideal opportunity to reestablish winning ways. Training is at the club on Wednesday evening, 7.00-8.30. Full attendance is expected. All new players welcome. Contact Mark Hermin (07818405449) for more information.
